Putnam Hill Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Putnam Hill Historic District
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | U.S. 1, Greenwich, Connecticut |
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| Area | 36 acres (15 ha) |
| Built | 1830 |
| Architect | Vaux, Calvert; Multiple |
| Architectural style | Mid 19th Century Revival, Late 19th and 20th Century Revivals, Late Victorian |
| NRHP reference No. | 79002657 |
| Added to NRHP | August 24, 1979 |
The Putnam Hill Historic District is a special area in Greenwich, Connecticut. It was once an important center for the town. This district is found along U.S. 1, between Millbank Avenue and Old Church Road.
Inside the district, you can see churches from two old groups of people. There is also a building that used to be a tavern, which is like an old inn. Many beautiful homes from the mid-Victorian era are also here. This historic district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. This means it is a place important to American history.
Exploring Putnam Hill's Past
Greenwich's Putnam Hill area became a second important spot in town. This happened very early, around 1702. The Second Congregational Church was built here at that time. From 1825 to 1874, Greenwich's town hall was also located here. Today, a memorial for the Civil War stands where the old town hall used to be.
A Heroic Ride in History
During the American Revolutionary War, something exciting happened here. A general from the Continental Army, Israel Putnam, was surrounded by British soldiers. He famously rode his horse down a very steep hill to escape. This brave act gave the area its name, Putnam Hill.
The building known as the Putnam Cottage was built around 1700. It was once called Knapp's Tavern. This is the place where General Putnam was staying when he made his escape. Today, Putnam Cottage is a museum where you can learn about its history.
Homes and Famous People
After the American Civil War, Putnam Hill became a popular place for people to live. Many beautiful homes from that time are still standing. One example is the Tomes-Higgins House. It was designed by a famous architect named Calvert Vaux.
The district is mostly a long, narrow area. It stretches from Millbank Drive in the west to Old Church Road in the east. There are 21 buildings in the district that are considered "contributing buildings." This means they help show the area's history and character. Most of these are homes.
Other interesting features in the district include two small parks. There is also a stone marker placed by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). This marker remembers General Putnam's famous ride. You can also see a large granite wall. It is believed to have been built by a well-known person from the past, and the entrance to the old Jeremiah Millbank estate.
